10 things you (probably) didn’t know about me!

As part of celebrating 10 years at ZeoT, I’m sharing a little behind-the-scenes look at who I am and who I was before ZeoT. My mission to bring art into belly dance and help women discover confidence through movement is the result of many different experiences. If I were a cake, I’d be a multi-tiered wedding cake, layered with sponge, cream, and icing, and stacked with stories. The ten years I’ve been running my business is only one slice of the cake—just one layer in the many tiers of my life. Some steps have been solid, others surprising, but each has led me to where I am today. So, here’s a little slice for you.

1. Water is My Element

Growing up in the UK—a country surrounded by water—how could I not love the sea? Salt water has run through my family’s veins for generations. My father’s ancestors sailed from Liverpool to Singapore, where they established a tea plantation, and my grandmother on my mother’s side was a champion sea angler. Along with my grandfather, she swam in the sea at Dover every day, even in winter. Inspired by them, I’ve started taking icy dips in Lake Zürich this year. No way am I letting the side down!

2. Disco Queen

I’ve been a choreographer since I was eight. Back then, rehearsals took place in our living rooms, our mums made our costumes, and our performances happened at disco dancing competitions. As a teenager, I worked hard on my solo choreographies, practicing every night in a shiny burgundy catsuit in my bedroom, pressing play on my tape recorder (yes, I’m dating myself badly!) and dancing in front of the window, watching my reflection—until a local boy laughed at me, asking if I was the girl dancing every night in her bedroom.

After that, I closed the curtains.

From then on, I began to feel vulnerable dancing in my own body, and my joy of dance turned into self-consciousness. Without realizing it, I had shut out a part of myself.

3. My First Degree Is in Fine Art

Like water, life sometimes flows in unexpected directions. I never studied dance professionally; instead, I pursued fine art, earning my degree from Liverpool University. I later set up a studio with artists, designers and architects from Spain, Italy, and England before moving to London, where I had my own studio in the Docklands. My art? Sculptures exploring domestic objects and white goods, influenced by a close connection to the world of furniture design at the time.

Despite exhibitions and commissions, I found it incredibly difficult to talk about my work. Every time I walked into a gallery with my portfolio, I felt completely exposed, like I was asking people to judge a piece of myself. I can see now that I was suffering from Imposter Syndrome, lacking the confidence in my skills, my experience, in myself. I decided to move into a different area of the art world, “behind the scenes” so to speak, where I would feel less judged.

4. There’s a Plaque in Tate Britain with My Name on It

Working in the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid

After earning a second degree in art restoration, I helped in the restoration of Jacob and the Angel, an alabaster sculpture by Sir Jacob Epstein, now on display in Tate London. My career then took me to the Reina Sofía Museum of Modern Art in Madrid and various restoration projects across Spain. I continued working in this field when I first moved to Zürich with a stint in the Landesmuseum. But by then, dance had returned to my life, and I couldn’t resist its call.

5. My Flatmate in Madrid Introduced Me to Belly Dance

I never planned to start dancing again. I only went to the class because my flatmate invited me and I had nothing better to do! The teacher was Cristiane Azem, the studio El Horno, and the moment I stepped into that room—packed with women in colorful skirts and the jingle of coins—I felt at home.

I dove in headfirst, taking 12 hours of classes a week and was soon performing in shows. Of course, I was nervous—I still felt the traces of shame I had experienced as a teenage dancer or when talking about my art—but the community of dancers around me lifted me up. The dance itself felt welcoming, accepting. Before long, I was dancing solo in restaurants, my confidence in myself growing with every step. I owe so much to my first generous and creative teacher for opening this incredible world to me.

6. Belly Dance Took Me Around the World

Teacher training under Raki Hassan in Cairo

From my first teaching job in Tenerife to my teacher training with Rakia Hassan in Cairo to leading 17 students on a dance holiday to Egypt, belly dance has been a ticket to adventure. I’ve performed solo from London to Mozambique, in festivals and competitions across Europe and with Khaled Seif’s ensemble and the Oriental Divas in Switzerland. One of my most memorable studios? Teaching in Tenerife, where the waves crashing on the beach echoed between songs and the ocean reflected in the mirrors.

7. The Artist in Me Never Left

Zambra - my first ‘themed’ show with the magnificent flamenco dancer Maria Murillo

Even though I stepped away from the fine art world, it still influences me. That’s why I introduced the concept of themed shows to ZeoT. I love weaving a central idea through an entire production—something bigger than individual dances. Shows like Beauty for Ashes, Chroma, Parfum, Supernova, and Alchemy all carry that artistic thread, inspiring teachers and students to push the boundaries of their own creativity.

8. Dance is More Than Just Movement—It’s Transformation

Through my own experiences and the stories of countless women I’ve met, I’ve witnessed how dance builds confidence and allows for deep self-expression. But I also realized that as a teacher, my reach was limited. That’s why in 2015, I took over ZeoT from its founder, Miriam Missura. Since then, I’ve rebranded the school, expanded our offerings to welcome Zürich’s growing international community, and built a diverse teaching team. By increasing the number of classes and offering more in English, we’ve made dance in Zürich even more accessible—giving more women the space to grow, connect, and rediscover their strength through movement.

9. How Many Lives Can You Live? I’m a Published Author!

Beyond dance, storytelling has always been a part of me. I write fiction, and yes, I’m published! I love writing flash fiction—ultra-short stories that distill emotion and meaning into just a few hundred words. I’m currently working on a novella made up of interconnected flash fiction pieces, supported by my two state-side writing partners. And in April, I’ll be reading at the European Writers’ Salon online event—a chance to share my work beyond the page.

Another chapter of my life is unfolding—but just like dance, storytelling is meant to be shared.

10. From Dancer to Business Mentor

I could write multiple blogs about the business lessons I’ve learned in the past 10 years. When I first took over ZeoT, I had no business experience—I just trusted that things would work out. I remember being asked how I could sleep at night, knowing I had to cover rent for the Lagerstrasse studio. If I’m honest, I had to block it out of my mind! Similarly, I signed a lease for our Wipkingen studio before we had even launched the crowdfunding to pay for building costs! Over the years, I’ve developed strategies and learnt so much, and now enjoy mentoring other female entrepreneurs, from boutique fitness studio owners to videographers, helping them navigate their own business journeys.

Celebrating 10 Years—And Counting!

ZeoT has been a huge part of my journey. Running a dance studio for a decade has been an adventure—one filled with creativity, challenges, and endless growth. Along the way, I’ve had the joy of building a community, watching students discover their confidence, and seeing ideas take shape in ways I never could have imagined.

Continuing to expand our offer so that more women can learn to dance, to find self-confidence in expression, and enjoy support and encouragement from our community is a priority for me. I’m also excited to collaborate with other movement professionals to continue to bring fresh inspiration and art into ZeoT.

As I look ahead, I know the next 10 years will bring new stories, fresh inspirations, and unexpected twists. Who knows what layers will be added to this ever-growing, multi-tiered cake? One thing is certain—I wouldn’t be here without the incredible people who have shared this journey with me.

Thank you for dancing, dreaming, and creating alongside me. Here’s to the next chapter!